Two doors down lives a fifteen year old girl who wants to start babysitting. In the cul-de-sac down the street are a bunch of UGA grads who like to do jello shots. What do these two unrelated things have to do with each other? Absolutely nothing… except that I learned both while trick or treating with my kids tonight on Halloween.

It amazes me how little we know about our neighbors despite living so close. It’s almost like the rows of leyland cypress that separate us have magical powers that keep us from community. Then comes Halloween. This is the only day when it’s perfectly acceptable to knock on a neighbor’s door at 8:00 pm and expect some hospitality (even if it’s just a piece of candy). Each year on this day I learn something about my neighbors I didn’t know. I learn something I ought to already know. I have only my kids to thank for the opportunity.

So the next time I have a hankering for jello shots I’ll know where to go. I’ll even have a sitter for the occasion.